Cristiano Ronaldo reignited the debate over who is the best football player in history, claiming the title for himself. As the conversation grew, a current teammate of Lionel Messi on the Argentina national team stepped in, making it clear to Ronaldo: “No one will ever be like Lionel Messi.”
Despite briefly retiring from international duty, Messi managed to reshape his legacy with Argentina, leading a talented squad to success. One of the key players in this new era is Rodrigo De Paul, who, in an interview with Argentine outlet Infobae, responded to Ronaldo’s statement and set the record straight.
“I suppose I should say this from a politically correct standpoint, because I don’t want any trouble, but I feel that anyone who has watched a bit of football or understands just a little knows that no one will ever be like the Ten (Messi). What he has done, what he has achieved, especially what he has generated in people,” De Paul said in his conversation with journalist Joaquin Alvarez.
De Paul went on to emphasize Messi’s unique playing style: “Let’s not even talk about titles or things, because what he has created… people will pay anything to watch him, to see how he beats someone off the ball, how he makes an assist. Leo is art. The other one is a competitive animal, an incredible goal scorer. But the Ten is art.”
While De Paul acknowledged Ronaldo’s competitive mentality and impressive goal-scoring record, he emphasized that Messi’s style of play and achievements set him apart. Alongside the soccer legend in the Argentina national team, De Paul has won every major trophy of his career, including 2 Copa America titles, 1 Finalissima, and 1 World Cup.
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What did Ronaldo say?
Much like Messi, Ronaldo has enjoyed a distinguished career at European clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, in addition to his success with the Portugal national team. Before turning 40, Ronaldo spoke with journalist Edu Aguirre and boldly declared himself the best player in history:
“I think I’m the most complete player that has ever existed. My opinion… If I score 920 goals, 925, 930… The best in history is me, period. When it comes to scoring goals, the numbers speak for themselves,” he said during an interview with Spanish outlet La Sexta.
